Thomas Emory McBrayer's Obituary
Thomas Emory McBrayer passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 24, 2017 at Lynridge Assisted Living Center in Murphy, Texas and is now with his Savior Jesus in Heaven. Tom was born on November 4, 1927 in Mountain Peak, Texas to Marvin and Ethel McBrayer. He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1946 and entered the Army Air Corps shortly thereafter. Tom was stationed in Japan at the Yokota Air Force Base where he was a Staff Sergeant. While there, he starred on the Yokota Attackers football team and played in the Rice Bowl All Star game. After his honorable discharge in 1949, Tom enrolled at Baylor University where he played football his Freshman year. He received both his Bachelors and Masters degree from Baylor, graduating in 1953. Tom worked for the Dallas Independent School district for 30+ years and was first a coach at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas where he taught science. He was then selected to be assistant principal at Hillcrest High School and subsequently a principal in various elementary schools throughout DISD. Tom’s loving wife, Martha Sue Thomson McBrayer preceded him in death on September 13, 2016. They were faithful members of FBC Garland where Tom served as deacon. He is survived by daughter Mindy Lance and husband Pete of Durham, NC; son Mike McBrayer and wife Kelly of Richardson, TX; daughter Heather Minton and husband Mark of Benbrook, TX; son Pat Ekiss and wife Diane of Round Rock, TX; sister Pinkie McClendon of Highland, CA. Tom, known as “Poppy,” is survived by grandchildren Andrew and wife Brittany Lance, Caroline and husband Cedric Wilson, Gideon and wife Anna Lance, Drew and wife Alli McBrayer, Matt McBrayer, Amanda McBrayer, and J.T. Jacobson; great-grandchildren Jackson, Cooper, Chloe and Claire; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruthie Lee Pyle and grandson Alec Lewis. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX with a graveside service at 10 AM the next morning. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 am, Friday, September 29 at First Baptist Church of Garland, 801 W. Avenue D in Garland, TX. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Clinic, 800 S. 6th Street, Suite 100, Garland, TX 75040 (469-800-2500). Arrangements are under the care of Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243.
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